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A Woman of Love
When her dissolute husband insists that Lady Annabel Peters bed one of his villainous cohorts to repay a gambling debt, she is scandalized. But she is forced to agree because he controls every aspect of her life.
A physically and emotionally crippled war hero, James Drake has retreated from society. At the request of his brother, he manipulates events so he can interrogate Annabel, a woman he thinks may be part of a ring of thieves.
Neither of them count on an instant and overwhelming attraction. James may now believe Annabel but she suspects her husband plans to kill her. As one of her husband’s friends, James is not to be trusted.
Yet how can she escape a man who has the ability to control her with a gentle kiss?
A physically and emotionally crippled war hero, James Drake has retreated from society. At the request of his brother, he manipulates events so he can interrogate Annabel, a woman he thinks may be part of a ring of thieves.
Neither of them count on an instant and overwhelming attraction. James may now believe Annabel but she suspects her husband plans to kill her. As one of her husband’s friends, James is not to be trusted.
Yet how can she escape a man who has the ability to control her with a gentle kiss?
- GenresHistoricalRomanceNovella
51 pages, ebook
Published March 4, 2015
About the author
Marlow Kelly
17 books155 followersAfter being thrown out of England for refusing to drink tea, Marlow Kelly made her way to Canada where she found love, a home and a pug named Max. She also discovered her love of storytelling. Encouraged by her husband, children and let’s not forget Max, she started putting her ideas to paper. She enjoys writing suspenseful, fast-pace romance stories that always feature strong women.
Marlow is an award-winning author, and a member of the Romance Writers of America.
For more information about Marlow’s books check out her website at www.marlowkelly.com
Marlow is an award-winning author, and a member of the Romance Writers of America.
For more information about Marlow’s books check out her website at www.marlowkelly.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 4, 2015
4.5 stars
I was given a copy of this book by the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Honour, Love and Courage series and as with the first book A Woman of Honour, this one is novella length.
The timing of receiving this book was interesting for me as another book I was currently reading was a factual book about sex trafficking, so the beginning of this novella was quite a shock for me. Set in Victorian England 1858, the heroine, Lady Annabel Peters, was forced into marriage and now was being pimped out by her husband to a man she had never met under threat of serious consequences. My initial reaction was to be extremely upset by this as it seemed to be a clear-cut case of sexual slavery. That is certainly what was intended by her husband, who was attempting to use her body to settle gambling debts. James, the man she was to sleep with turned out to be completely different from what she had expected and initially had no intent to sleep with her at all rather wanting to use her to incriminate her husband.
Annabel and James had an almost instant appeal for each other and they did end up making love because Annabel pushed it being afraid of what her husband would do if she failed to appease his debt. She was shocked to discover that in James she had an ally willing to help her escape her current desperate situation and rescue her daughter from a prior marriage. How they managed to achieve all of this made for an interesting and engaging read. The reader will also meet James’s brother Nicholas who is a private detective and he was such an interesting character that I hope he will some day have his own story.
This story ended with a new beginning and I would have loved it if the author had continued the story so we could learn more about Annabel and James. I will certainly look forward to reading any full-length novels she eventually publishes.
There were minor areas that could have been clarified just a bit, but on the whole this was a great quick read and I will look forward to more in the series.
I was given a copy of this book by the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Honour, Love and Courage series and as with the first book A Woman of Honour, this one is novella length.
The timing of receiving this book was interesting for me as another book I was currently reading was a factual book about sex trafficking, so the beginning of this novella was quite a shock for me. Set in Victorian England 1858, the heroine, Lady Annabel Peters, was forced into marriage and now was being pimped out by her husband to a man she had never met under threat of serious consequences. My initial reaction was to be extremely upset by this as it seemed to be a clear-cut case of sexual slavery. That is certainly what was intended by her husband, who was attempting to use her body to settle gambling debts. James, the man she was to sleep with turned out to be completely different from what she had expected and initially had no intent to sleep with her at all rather wanting to use her to incriminate her husband.
Annabel and James had an almost instant appeal for each other and they did end up making love because Annabel pushed it being afraid of what her husband would do if she failed to appease his debt. She was shocked to discover that in James she had an ally willing to help her escape her current desperate situation and rescue her daughter from a prior marriage. How they managed to achieve all of this made for an interesting and engaging read. The reader will also meet James’s brother Nicholas who is a private detective and he was such an interesting character that I hope he will some day have his own story.
This story ended with a new beginning and I would have loved it if the author had continued the story so we could learn more about Annabel and James. I will certainly look forward to reading any full-length novels she eventually publishes.
There were minor areas that could have been clarified just a bit, but on the whole this was a great quick read and I will look forward to more in the series.
March 16, 2015
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I Dig Good Books
Being forced to sleep with another man because her husband of two months lost at card was not Lady Annabel's idea of fun. But from the very start James was totally not what she was expecting. Indeed, he may well be the nly way to save herself, and her daughter.
This is one of those easy reads, not too complicated, not too mant twists and turns. A little bit of danger, a touch of violence, a splash of passion. Not too much to tax your brain but just enough to keep you interested.
A perfect hangover cure, if ever you are in need of one!
Written from both James and Annabel's POV, it pushes all my buttons. Its short, but thats just what a hangover cure/quick bath read/quick read before sleep/a lunch break read is, short and sweet. Took me 45 minutes in my lunch break at the dayjob.
I loved Annabel. She knew that she needed help to escape her husband, and save her daughter. james was just the man to help her. Nicholas, James' brother, saw that, he knew she needed help, but equally that James needed help too.
All in all, a solid 4 star read.
**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Being forced to sleep with another man because her husband of two months lost at card was not Lady Annabel's idea of fun. But from the very start James was totally not what she was expecting. Indeed, he may well be the nly way to save herself, and her daughter.
This is one of those easy reads, not too complicated, not too mant twists and turns. A little bit of danger, a touch of violence, a splash of passion. Not too much to tax your brain but just enough to keep you interested.
A perfect hangover cure, if ever you are in need of one!
Written from both James and Annabel's POV, it pushes all my buttons. Its short, but thats just what a hangover cure/quick bath read/quick read before sleep/a lunch break read is, short and sweet. Took me 45 minutes in my lunch break at the dayjob.
I loved Annabel. She knew that she needed help to escape her husband, and save her daughter. james was just the man to help her. Nicholas, James' brother, saw that, he knew she needed help, but equally that James needed help too.
All in all, a solid 4 star read.
**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
June 16, 2015
Marlow Kelly brings to the plate an emotionally stirring novella with A Woman of Love. While victims of circumstance this author's characters prevail and show that despite the darker side of humanity there is good to be found in others. A fine tale of love, desire and salvation this concise work gives the pow of a full length work in 51 pages, no mean feat of writing! A great read in a time crunch or for that matter at any time!
May 20, 2015
vRating 3.5
This is the first book I've read by Marlow Kelly. I didn't realize it was the second in the Honor, Love and Courage series, but it was a standalone novella. Set in Victorian England 1858 this was a fast paced read. I am always curious about romances where the woman is already married. It turns out that the lord had coerced the widow Lady Annabel Peters into marrying him for her money.
The hero of the story, James, meets Annabel under interesting circumstances. Her husband expects her to sleep with James to pay off a gambling debt. However, James doesn't want to take Annabel against her will. He really just wants to question her. Things go far beyond questioning as there is an almost instant attraction between them. Annabel has been ignored and abused by her husband for so long that she craves a gentleman's touch, especially a gentleman as nice as James.
Once Annabel confides in James that she is a victim and is afraid she and her daughter from a previous marriage in danger, he vows to protect her from her husband. It was an enjoyable read although I wish it had more substance. This novella was perfect when you only have a few minutes to squeeze in a good story.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read by Marlow Kelly. I didn't realize it was the second in the Honor, Love and Courage series, but it was a standalone novella. Set in Victorian England 1858 this was a fast paced read. I am always curious about romances where the woman is already married. It turns out that the lord had coerced the widow Lady Annabel Peters into marrying him for her money.
The hero of the story, James, meets Annabel under interesting circumstances. Her husband expects her to sleep with James to pay off a gambling debt. However, James doesn't want to take Annabel against her will. He really just wants to question her. Things go far beyond questioning as there is an almost instant attraction between them. Annabel has been ignored and abused by her husband for so long that she craves a gentleman's touch, especially a gentleman as nice as James.
Once Annabel confides in James that she is a victim and is afraid she and her daughter from a previous marriage in danger, he vows to protect her from her husband. It was an enjoyable read although I wish it had more substance. This novella was perfect when you only have a few minutes to squeeze in a good story.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of A Woman of Courage by Marlow Kelly in exchange for an honest review.
I am pleased to be able to read and review A Woman of Courage, Book 3 of the Honour, Love & Courage series by Marlow Kelly.
I found it very easy to immerse myself in the story of Fianna and Connell as soon as I opened the pages of A Woman of Courage. Ms. Kelly’s style of writing is very smooth and descriptive. Even with the horrid events at the beginning I wanted very much for Fianna and Connell to put the past behind them and acknowledge the love they both had felt and were obviously continuing to feel toward each other so many years later.
It isn’t easy for me to write a thorough review of such a short tome without giving spoilers in the process and I do try to keep spoilers out of my reviews.
I know that I will be going back to read A Woman of Honour and A Woman of Love to see more of Ms. Kelly’s colorful writing.
I highly recommend A Woman of Courage by Marlow Kelly and give it five steaming hot cups of Room With Books coffee.
©December 3, 2015
Patricia RoomWithBooks
I am pleased to be able to read and review A Woman of Courage, Book 3 of the Honour, Love & Courage series by Marlow Kelly.
I found it very easy to immerse myself in the story of Fianna and Connell as soon as I opened the pages of A Woman of Courage. Ms. Kelly’s style of writing is very smooth and descriptive. Even with the horrid events at the beginning I wanted very much for Fianna and Connell to put the past behind them and acknowledge the love they both had felt and were obviously continuing to feel toward each other so many years later.
It isn’t easy for me to write a thorough review of such a short tome without giving spoilers in the process and I do try to keep spoilers out of my reviews.
I know that I will be going back to read A Woman of Honour and A Woman of Love to see more of Ms. Kelly’s colorful writing.
I highly recommend A Woman of Courage by Marlow Kelly and give it five steaming hot cups of Room With Books coffee.
©December 3, 2015
Patricia RoomWithBooks
April 20, 2015
The beginning of story felt rushed but satisfying enough for a quick sexy read. The author could’ve spent more time describing the characters before the confrontations started, there were moments where I felt she had potential to do that. I would’ve loved to see some more dialogue in the first half of the book. I liked how driven the characters were to their goals, being hard to understand at first, but explained as the story developed.
Now for the good parts, right? Overall, it was a good surprise, I have a soft spot for erotic historical romances, I feel like they can be richer compared to other erotic genres. The protagonist reveals to be brave, fierce and intense – kickass, the type of heroine you see on most paranormal romances! I liked the different scenarios, the versatility and ambition the author shows, speciallly for such a short read. I would like to read more books by Marlow Kelly after this one!
Now for the good parts, right? Overall, it was a good surprise, I have a soft spot for erotic historical romances, I feel like they can be richer compared to other erotic genres. The protagonist reveals to be brave, fierce and intense – kickass, the type of heroine you see on most paranormal romances! I liked the different scenarios, the versatility and ambition the author shows, speciallly for such a short read. I would like to read more books by Marlow Kelly after this one!
May 3, 2015
This is a quick, fast-paced short story that's just right for reading right before bed. Being a short story/novella, there's not much room for character development, but you still learned a lot about the characters from their interactions with each other.
The story almost read like part of a bigger story. I would love to learn more about the backstory of each of these characters. What happened to James in the war? What was Annabel's life like before she was force to marry such a scoundrel? I would love to know more about Carlton Investigations and the lives of Nicholas and James before the war. I just want to know more about all these characters, because even in a short time, the author made me care about them.
I did think that Annabel's motivation towards the end was a little weak, and that plot twist bothered me a little, but all in all a well-written, enjoyable novella. I hope that Ms. Kelly visits these characters again. 3.5 stars.
The story almost read like part of a bigger story. I would love to learn more about the backstory of each of these characters. What happened to James in the war? What was Annabel's life like before she was force to marry such a scoundrel? I would love to know more about Carlton Investigations and the lives of Nicholas and James before the war. I just want to know more about all these characters, because even in a short time, the author made me care about them.
I did think that Annabel's motivation towards the end was a little weak, and that plot twist bothered me a little, but all in all a well-written, enjoyable novella. I hope that Ms. Kelly visits these characters again. 3.5 stars.
May 2, 2015
A very interesting story!
The premise and storyline were unlike anything I have read before. I can't even IMAGINE being put in the position Annabel was forced into, and that made Elliott a very easy villain to hate.
Annabel had been through a lot, even before Elliott, and I really felt for her. I was hoping she would get the happy ending she wanted so badly.
I liked James, a tortured war veteran who finds himself facing a "conflict of interest" between Annabel and his job. His actions with regard to Beth were very endearing, making him the perfect hero!
All in all, it was a good, quick, read full of mystery, action and love!
***i received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
The premise and storyline were unlike anything I have read before. I can't even IMAGINE being put in the position Annabel was forced into, and that made Elliott a very easy villain to hate.
Annabel had been through a lot, even before Elliott, and I really felt for her. I was hoping she would get the happy ending she wanted so badly.
I liked James, a tortured war veteran who finds himself facing a "conflict of interest" between Annabel and his job. His actions with regard to Beth were very endearing, making him the perfect hero!
All in all, it was a good, quick, read full of mystery, action and love!
***i received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
December 29, 2015
It 's a historical novel, short but intense, sensual, exciting, really reads all in one breath.
Lady Annabel Peters was forced to marry Elliott, a violent and dangerous man. To pay a gambling debt her husband forces her to spend a night with James Drake. James has accepted the exchange only to question the woman on the husband's trades. But as soon as Lady Annabel is in front of him he gives in to passion. Lady Annabel wants to trust but James is a friend of her husband .... But if he was different from Elliott? If he could help her? Can trust him?
It's the second book in the series but are independent stories, can be read as a stand-alone.
I was given a copy of this book by the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2015
Another great novella from Kelly. In just seventy pages the author gave us intrigue, thrill and romance. A definite must read. Looking forward to more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews